HURIWA raises alarm over alleged political intimidation ahead of 2027 elections

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over what it describes as an emerging pattern of political intolerance, threats and alleged misuse of public institutions against opposition politicians and citizens ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on August 26, 2026, the group called on Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Kuje Area Council Chairman Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo to desist from actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

HURIWA also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Security Adviser and other security agencies to ensure that public institutions are not deployed to intimidate opposition politicians or voters.

Kuje ‘APC or Leave’ Declaration

The rights group said it was particularly disturbed by a widely circulated video in which Shekwolo allegedly told residents that they must support the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave the area council.

“I have said in my area council, it’s either you are doing APC or leave the area council,” Shekwolo was quoted as saying.

HURIWA described the alleged remarks as dangerous, arguing that an elected council chairman has a constitutional responsibility to serve residents regardless of their political affiliations.

The group said public services and citizenship rights cannot be made conditional on membership of a political party, adding that relevant authorities should summon Shekwolo to explain his comments.

READ ALSO; HURIWA demands immediate hospital transfer for detained Abuja businessman

Imo Political Dispute

HURIWA also raised concerns over the political activities of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency.

It noted that a Federal Capital Territory High Court had issued an interim injunction restraining the Imo State Government, security agencies and the chairmen of Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas from interfering with Ugochinyere’s rallies, meetings, campaigns and other civic activities.

The group urged all parties to respect the court order, stressing that political disagreements should not translate into restrictions on lawful political activities.

Cross River and Wike’s Remarks

The organisation further cited controversy over alleged comments by Cross River Governor Bassey Otu concerning opposition politicians. HURIWA urged the governor to clarify his position and assure opposition parties that they would be allowed to campaign peacefully.

It also demanded clarification from Wike over comments following the August 15 Osun State governorship election, in which the minister reportedly referred to the “force and might of the federal government.”

HURIWA said such remarks could create the impression that federal institutions might be deployed to influence electoral outcomes.

Security Agencies Asked to Act

The rights group called on INEC and security agencies to monitor inflammatory political statements and investigate credible allegations of threats, intimidation or misuse of public institutions.

It warned that the 2027 elections must be decided through votes, persuasion and competence rather than coercion or state power.

“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians—not to APC, PDP, ADC, Labour Party, Accord or any other political organisation,” HURIWA said.

The organisation urged governors, ministers and local government officials to publicly reaffirm their commitment to peaceful multiparty democracy and respect for the constitutional rights of citizens irrespective of political affiliation.